Credit facts & stats

Question 1

In 2019, what share of Americans had a FICO score between 700 and 850 (roughly "good" or better)?

Accepted Answer

59%. A majority of Americans fell into this stronger credit-score range.

Question 2

In 2006, the median (average) FICO score in the U.S. was about:

Accepted Answer

723. This was before the 2008 financial crisis, which later pushed many scores down.

Question 3

By April 2021, the average FICO Score 8 in the U.S. had risen to about:

Accepted Answer

716. Reduced spending and pandemic stimulus payments helped many people pay down debt.

Question 4

In what year was the widely used FICO Score 8 model released?

Accepted Answer

2009. FICO regularly releases new generations of its scoring model.

Question 5

In what year was the UltraFICO score, which factors in banking behavior, released?

Accepted Answer

2019. UltraFICO looks at things like checking and savings account activity to help borrowers with thin credit files.

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